Reithel St. Christmas Display to Benefit APA Secret Santa

The Manning/Johnson family at 12 Reithel St. takes their holidays seriously. After opening their haunted basement to the community in October to collect food for AYFS, the family has invited the community to visit their Christmas display on Saturday, Dec. 6. This time, they’re asking visitors to bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to the Auburn Police Association’s Secret Santa program.

Says homeowner Kristy Manning of the decision to collect toys for the Secret Santa, “The police department made a large contribution [to the Halloween food drive] and hopefully we can help return the kind gesture.”

On Saturday, December 6, from 5-7pm, the public is invited to walk through the display. In addition, Santa will be coming to visit by fire truck.

If you are unable to attend on Saturday, the family will be accepting donations through Dec. 12. People are invited to leave unwrapped toys and gifts in the box by the front door.

According to Manning, the APA Secret Santa can really use gifts for all ages, newborn to teenagers. They especially need clothes like jackets, hats, boots and other winter necessities. Cash and gift cards are also appreciated, as teens are not easy to shop for, though it is not recommended these items are left at the door.

Every year the APA collects donated toys and delivers them all over town to families in need so that the children can enjoy a cheerful and Merry Christmas, according to Manning. Last year Secret Santa assisted about 45 families in need.